Ocean animals and survival KS1 full lesson

Lesson overview
This third lesson builds on students’ understanding of ocean habitats by exploring what animals need to survive, using the Arctic as a case study. It introduces the concept that marine animals have basic needs similar to humans and depend on both their environment and each other. This helps children understand why healthy oceans matter for the animals that live there and begins to build awareness of simple food chains and animal relationships.

Learning outcomes

• Identify the basic needs of animals
• Describe how Arctic animals meet these needs
• Create a simple food chain
• Share how Arctic animals depend on their habitat and other living things

Climate change and sustainability
As part of the strategy to embed climate and sustainability learning throughout primary school, this lesson has been designed to develop pro-environmental values and build the foundational knowledge needed to address climate and conservation topics more fully in later years.

Values integration

• Understanding connections between animals
• Care for ocean life
• Importance of helping each other

Climate change links
This lesson helps students understand why changing Arctic Ocean conditions matter. By learning how Arctic animals depend on each other and their environment, students begin to grasp why changes to habitats and food chains can affect everything else.